The 2021 GMC Yukon comes with a redefined exterior styling with improvements to the features inside the cabin. That being said, the prices for the same have been hiked as well, as the 2021 GMC Yukon now starts from an MSRP of $51,995, for the base SLE trim, whereas the Denali trim will set you back by an MSRP of $69,695. There are three powertrain options for the 2021 Yukon A 335 hp 5.3L V8 or a 3.0L turbo-diesel in the SLE and SLT trims, a 6.2L V8 in the Denali trim.
The 2021 GMC Yukon also offers a good fuel economy with a combined 19 mpg. There is a whole lot of change inside the 2021 Yukon, with added features, and comforts inside the cabin. The changes for the 2021 Yukon include a new off-road-focused $66,095 AT4 trim level, a whole $11,000 more expensive than the base version. Moreover, the 2021 GMC Yukon faces rivals such as the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the 2021 Ford Expedition, and the 2021 Nissan Armada.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
9.5
Engine And Performance
8.0
Fuel Economy
7.5
Interior
8.0
Exterior
8.0
Safety
9.5
Competition
9.5
8.6
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.6
Overall Rating
"The Sierra pickup truck may be the heart of GMC, but the Yukon has always been the soul" - Motor Trend
The 2021 GMC Yukon gets a major overhaul, it is now offered at a starting price of $51,995 for the SLE trim. Offering 2 engine choices across the range, including the 6.2L V8 engine for the Denali trim. The other engine option is the 5.3L 10-speed automatic transmission for the SLE and SLT trims. The 2021 GMC truck comes with a towing capacity of 8500 lbs for the basic trims, the SLE and SLT trim.
The 2021 GMC Yukon lineup gets significant changes on the interior and exterior front with many first-in-class features including the Power Sliding center console, 10.2" Diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System, Wireless, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Further, the 2021 Yukon has heated and ventilated driver and front-passenger perforated leather seating surfaces.
2021 GMC Yukon Front View
2021 GMC Yukon Rear View
9.5/10 Pricing and Features
8.0/10 Engine and Performance
7.5/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
9.5/10 Safety
9.5/10 Competition
2021 GMC Yukon Pricing and Features
9.5/10
"It’s blessed with excellent powertrains, copious interior room for people and their baggage, a long roster of standard safety and luxury features, and a face we prefer to the one on the Tahoe/Suburban, by a slight margin" - Thecarconnection
Coming into 2021, the 2021 GMC Yukon is offered in over 2 trim levels- SLE and SLT. There is also the AT4, and the Denali variants, with prices ranging from an MSRP of $51,995 to $69,695. The 2021 GMC Yukon offers three engine choices, namely the 5.3L V8 in the SLE, SLT, and the new AT4 trims, whereas the 6.2L V8 engine option in the Denali trim, along with a single 10-Speed transmission for all the variants.3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine available with the SLE and SLT trims will cost you an extra $1000.
The prices of the 2021 GMC Yukon start at an MSRP of $51,995 for the base SLE trim and goes all the way up to $69,695 for the top-of-the-line Denali trim. However, that's not all, all the trims of the 2021 Yukon come standard with an RWD drivetrain. In order to get an AWD configuration, you need to spend a few extra bucks ($3000 to be precise) on your Yukon.
Trims
SLE
SLT
MSRP(2WD)
$51,995
$59,095
MSRP(4WD)
$54,995
$62,095
Key Features
10.2-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System
Adds/Upgrades to` SLE
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Wireless charging
High Definition Surround Vision System
20-inch 6-spoke polished aluminum wheels
Independent Rear Suspension
Heated and Ventilated Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces
Trailer Brake Controller
Bose 9-Speaker Audio System
Another addition to the lineup is the new AT4 variant. The 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 is specifically designed for the adventure junkies and encompasses upscale amenities, unique AT4 interior, and exterior styling, and rugged capability to maneuver the road less traveled, all for an MSRP of $66,095.
"When it comes to large, three-row family-hauling, toy-towing muscle, the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are hard to beat" - Caranddriver
We would strongly recommend the 5.3L NA V8 powered SLT trim of the 2021 GMC Yukon for an MSRP of $59,095, which is just about $7,000 more than the base SLE trim. It adds upscale touches such as the 20-inch 6-spoke aluminum wheels, ventilated front seats, and also a higher-quality Bose 9-speaker surround sound system that everyone prefers.
However, if budget is not a concern, one can go for the highest Denali trim which comes with a more powerful 6.2L V8 engine, with impressive off-the-line acceleration, and that sets a completely different tone with its ultra-luxurious cabin, all for just $69,695.
"Redesigned from the ground up for 2021, the new Yukon borrows mechanicals from the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, but goes its own way with unique looks and a few novel features" - Car and Driver
The 2021 GMC Yukon gets three engine options - the basic two being a 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 and a 6.2L naturally aspirated V8. The 335 hp 5.3L V8 engine happens to be the standard powertrain of the 2021 Yukon, available in the SLE and SLT trims, while the 420 hp 6.2L V8 power unit is available only on the Denali trim.
the engine of the 2021 GMC Yukon
In addition to those gasoline-burning engine options, GMC will also offer a 3.0L turbo-diesel inline-six which delivers an output of 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of your choice of powertrain, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. By default, all the grunt is routed to the rear wheels of the SUV, until and unless you spend a few extra bucks ($3000) and get the optional 4WD drivetrain.
The 2021 GMC Yukon, with its base 5.3L engine, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, while achieving the quarter-mile distance in 16.5 seconds. Replace the 5.3L V8 with the more punchy and potent 6.2L V8 in the Denali trim, and the 2021 Yukon can go from 0-60 in just 6 seconds, which is impressive fro an SUV.
Models
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Ford Expedition
2021 Nissan Armada
MSRP
$51,995
$50,295
$54,504
$48,900
Engine
5.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V8
5.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V8
3.5L Twin Turbo V6
5.6L Naturally Aspirated V8
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
RWD
RWD
Transmission
6-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
7-speed automatic
Power
355 hp @ 5,600 RPM
355 hp @ 5,600 RPM
375 hp @ 5,000 RPM
400 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
383 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
470 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM
413 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
0-60 MPH
7.1 secs
6 secs
6.7 secs
5.9 secs
Quarter-Mile
16.5 secs
16.7 secs
15.5 secs
15 secs
Top Speed
NA
N/A
120 MPH
120 MPH
Moreover, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes fitted with an Independent rear Adaptive Suspension. This system automatically adjusts the stiffness of the suspension via variable-rate air springs, offering you a more comfortable ride regardless of whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded. Nevertheless, the massive size and body on frame construction affect Yukon’s ride and handling quality.
"Official EPA ratings for the diesel are still forthcoming, but GMC expects it to be the thriftiest option among the three available engines." - Carsdirect
The 2021 GMC Yukon, with its base 335 hp 5.3L V8 engine, available in the SLE and SLT trims delivers 16 MPG in the city and about 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are for the RWD variant, whereas the 4WD variant, on the other hand, is less efficient, as it delivers 15 MPG and 19 MPG in the city and highway respectively.
However, once equipped with the bigger 6.2L V-8 engine, like in the 2021 Yukon Denali, the RWD variant delivers 15 MPG in the city and 20 out on the highway, whereas the 4WD variant takes it further down by 1 MPG altogether. Credits for this improved fuel efficiency lands on the Dynamic Fuel Management system, which allows an engine to turn cylinders off when driving in situations that don’t require full power, like cruising on the freeway.
Models
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Ford Expedition
2021 Nissan Armada
MPG (city)
16
16
17
13
MPG (highway)
20
20
24
18
MPG (combined)
19
18
19
15
Fuel Capacity
26.0
24.0
25
26
Range (city/highway/combined)
390/572/NA
390/572/494
510/690/570
364/494/416
The 2021 GMC Yukon's fuel tank can stow up to 26 gallons of gasoline, which helps this SUV to extract the most range, before finally coming to a refill stop. All the SUVs in this segment have their respective MPG figures around the same ballpark. With Ford Expedition inching out a bit with better-combined fuel efficiency and a decently-sized fuel tank takes the mantle this time around, although the 2021 Yukon is not that far behind, even for a $51,000 335 hp SUV.
" The new Yukon's interior is a significant step up from the fourth-gen model, but that's not to say there isn't room for improvement" - Motor Trend
The 2021 GMC Yukon's interiors carry forward the legacy with head-turning style, modern amenities, and high levels of ride comfort. While the 2021 GMC Yukon's seating capacity is still restricted to a maximum of up to 9, the amount of space on offer has increased by 40%.
The layout of the dash in the 2021 Yukon is very much similar to the cabin of the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban. With aluminum trim, acoustic glass, and GMC-exclusive upholstery patterns, the Yukon feels a lot more worthy of the $51,995 price tag than any of the Chevy.
Models
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Ford Expedition
2021 Nissan Armada
Seating Capacity
8
8
8
8
Front Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)
42.8/64.8/45.3
42.8/64.8/45.3
42/64.9/43.9
40.9/63.8/41.9
Rear Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)
38.7/65.1/39.0
38.7/65.1/39.0
40/64.8/41.5
40.0/63.4/41.0
Third Row (head/shoulder/Legroom) (in.)
38.1/62.6/24.8
38.1/62.6/24.8
37.3/64.2/40.9
36.4/60.5/28.3
Cargo Capacity behind 3rd row (cu. ft)
25.5
25.4
20.9
16.5
Cargo Capacity behind 2nd row (cu. ft)
72.6
72.6
63.6
49.9
Cargo Capacity behind the front row (cu. ft)
122.9
122.9
104.6
95.4
The 2021 GMC Yukon houses a class-leading 10.2-inch diagonal touch screen infotainment display that runs the GMCs IntelliLink system for the SLE trim. With 25.5 cu. ft, the 2021 Yukon gains on the cargo-capacity front too, courtesy of the new platform. Some of the infotainment features of the 2021 GMC Yukon are:
"Coming to an upper-middle-class neighborhood near you: The 2021 GMC Yukon is richer and bigger, with details and a price tag to match" - The Car Connection
Based on the new platform it shares with the Tahoe and Suburban, the 2021 Yukon undergoes a major change in the dimension aspect, as it's now 6.1-inches longer in overall length. On the newly updated feature list, 20-inch wheels adorn the SLE and SLT trims, whereas new 22-inch ones are employed in the Denali trim.
The 2021 GMC Yukon benefits from a brand new C-shaped LED headlights with turn indicators integrated into the ‘C’. The front bumper is quite humongous in itself, but the grille eats into it in the middle. The hood of the car receives prominent muscular creases. The quad-outlet exhaust all the more adds to the brawny character of the 2021 Yukon.
Models
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Ford Expedition
2021 Nissan Armada
Curb Weight (lbs)
5379
5647
5443
5677
Length (inches)
210.0
210.7
210
208.9
Width (inches)
81.0
81.0
79.9
79.9
Height (inches)
76.5
75.9
76.6
75.8
Ground Clearance (inches)
8.0
7.9
9.8
9.1
Wheelbase (inches)
120.9
120.9
122.5
121.1
In terms of dimensions, the 2021 Ford Expedition holds the mantle in the segment. The GMC Yukon, although weighing the lightest in the segment, still weighs a tad heavier than 5000 lbs. Although, the light-weight does not necessarily mean it's fast, as it's still the slowest SUV of the lot.
"The Yukon offers up to nine cameras for better outward vision and towing assistance and the Yukon can be fitted with adaptive cruise control and active lane control, as well as a rear camera mirror." - Thecarconnetion
The 2021 GMC Yukon scores a four-star rating out of five, as awarded by the NHTSA. Even the previous model year scored the same. NHTSA investigates vehicles and rates them for Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover. The 2021 Yukon records an average of four-star rating overall.
However, the 2021 GMC Yukon will reportedly be a lot safer than its predecessor, owing to the number of contemporary safety features it has to offer, and the fact that the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite is standard across the range, at no extra cost. Some of the most impressive safety features on offer in the 2021 GMC Yukon are:
Coming from the same family tree, there's a lot that the 2021 GMC Yukon and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe share with each other. Ranging from the powertrain options to performance to interior space and almost everything else that you can imagine. However, the GMC Yukon is a take on the luxurious aspect of life whereas the Chevy Tahoe does everything that the Yukon does but on a budget of $50,295.
2021 GMC Yukon vs. 2021 Ford Expedition
The Expedition is Ford's answer to General Motors' full-size SUV lineup. The Ford Expedition is a pretty good SUV that can haul you and all your pals around in the utmost comfort. Moreover, the Ford Expedition is being carried forward to the model year 2021 without any changes, whereas the Yukon comes adorning an all-new bodysuit. So while the Yukon will garner you more attention, the Expedition will help you save some bucks in the long term.
2021 GMC Yukon vs. 2021 Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada makes up for a very practical deal in this SUV segment. With the best in class power figures of 390 hp to the fastest 0-60 sprinting time of 5.9 seconds, the Armada surely gets the job done. However, if it's more than the "getting the job done" notion that you seek from a vehicle, the 2021 Yukon surely makes up for a stronger case. With an all-new look inside-out, a ton of features and amenities, and a suave street presence, the Yukon is a much more delightful choice than the Armada if not much more practical.
The 2021 GMC Yukon has revived itself for the model year 2021, and for good. With better styling, more space on offer, 3 varied yet potent engine choices, and more tech at your service, the 2021 GMC Yukon SUV is one hell of a vehicle, that makes it worth shelling out $51,995 for it. Nevertheless, despite the onset of the new off-road-focused AT4 trim, and the new platform it's based on, it shares a lot with its competitor, the Chevrolet Tahoe, which goes to say that, it's not completely a win-win situation for the 2021 GMC Yukon.
The next generation Yukon was released way back at the start of 2020, and it has since then started to even roll out of dealerships from as early on as the start of Summer 2020.
Are all GMC Yukons AWD?
No, the 2021 GMC Yukon comes standard with an RWD drivetrain, and only offers an AWD drivetrain as optional, and charges an amount of $3000 on top of the base price for this. However, the all-new 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 comes with AWD as standard.
What is the annual maintenance cost incurred by the GMC Yukon?
On average, a GMC Yukon seeks around $353 in the name of maintenance on an annual basis.
Can I lease the GMC Yukon?
Yes, for an affordable payment of $336 per month, you can claim your GMC Yukon for over a period of 36 months, granted that this excludes a downpayment of $1,000.
How is the warranty of the 2021 GMC Yukon?
The warranty package of the 2021 GMC Yukon involves:
Pros - Acceleration is unexpectedly good, the touch screen is easy to navigate, and has great brakes.
Cons - Handling can be better, rolls a little on tight corners
Has road authority like no other To me, Yukon is the perfect balance of power, torque, road authority, luxury, and fuel economy. Sure, there are few things that could have been better but keep in mind no vehicle is perfect. And it nails all the core things like acceleration, towing capacity, comfortable interior, good exterior design, and mpg is not-notch. The whole process could have been a little quicker and a little friendlier.
Powerful yet gentle From the very first day I drove it to now, its performance has always outperformed my expectations. The power on the go despite its big size and heavyweight is something other vehicles lack in this segment. Overtaking someone on an expressway is a breeze. Sure it does get a little noisy at times but that much is understandable because it does have a V8! The ride is smooth and comfortable and free of bumps. The transmission is smooth and far better than the previous one’s GMC made. The interior is luxurious with a ton of tech.
You guys better stay clear of the new Yukon. The Yukon has been such bad buy for me. Initially the poor economy figure was the only gripe that was troubling me and I was fine with it as the engine was such a punchy unit. It was returning me around 15mpg which is far off from the claimed 21mpg. Then after using it for six or seven moth came a list of other complaints. First, one of those high pressure fuel lines cracked and the car was pouring fuel everwhere, so much so for the poor gas mileage. Then came the constant engine overheating warning, which of course, was blamed on a faulty sensor.The list just came on coming! Tom was our sales rep and is very open and explained everything in great detail. I am very delighted to have worked with him.
